It is
different now. Basil I hold dearer than any friend; his place is in
my very heart, and his happiness is dearer to me than my own; but I
cannot help him to frustrate a desire of Totila. The King is noble;
to serve him is to promote the w_ of Italy, for which he fights, and
in which name he will conquer.'
The deacon had paused in his walk. He looked thoughtfully about him.
At this moment there came along the street an ox-drawn wagon, on
which lay the marble statue of a deity; Leander stepped up to it,
examined the marble, spoke with the men who were conveying it, and
returned to Marcian with a shake of the head.
'It pains me to see such carven beauty burnt to lime. And yet how
many thousands of her worshippers are now burning in Gehenna. Lord
Marcian,' he resumed, 'you have spoken earnestly and well, and have
given me good proof of your sincerity. I think with you, and
willingly would work with you.'
'Reverend, does no opportunity present itself?'
'In this moment, none that I can see,' was the suave answer.
'Yet I perceive that you have made some offer of service to the
King.
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